NICK'S NEWS

What is Venus Retrograde? Occasionally, Venus appears to be moving backwards in the sky. "Appears" is the key word here, because, technically speaking, no planet actually moves backwards in their orbits around the Sun. In fact, they don't even slow down. Retrograde-station-direct cycles are essentially illusions that result from our point of view from Earth, simply because the Earth is also orbiting the Sun at a different speed than the other planets. Venus is Retrograde approximately 40-43 days every 18 months.Venus stations and turns retrograde on March 4th at 1:09 AM PST in the sign of Aries, entering Pisces on April 3rd, and continues to retrograde until April 15th 3:18 AM PDT.

As the planet of love and values, Venus retrograde periods are times when we re-assess what—and who—we value. It is a period that many astrologers consider inopportune for getting married or starting a new relationship. Major financial undertakings are not advised during this period either. Venus retrograde cycles are good times for creating budgets and financial plans, and for re-thinking our personal relationships. Taking final action in the areas of finance and love, however, is not advised until Venus turns direct again.Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for beautification processes (new hairdos, enhancements, purchasing a new wardrobe, cosmetic surgery, and so forth), renovations, re-decorating, and the like. Because Venus is associated with social events, parties may not go as planned.On the subject of love, past lovers may re-appear and some relationships may end.Venus will be moving through Pisces then Aries, retrograding through Aries back to Pisces then going forwards, again in through Pisces and Aries. The Pisces influence is more slight so spring could feel chock full of Aries – that goes for fashions and beauty trends that honor the sign.With Venus in Aries we could be more assertive and impulsive, embracing the thrill of the chase where our time and money is concerned, we may re-assess our initiating, entrepreneurial values, thinking more about getting projects (and relationships) off the ground.

Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. We may be called upon to deal with relationship issues from the past during this Venus retrograde cycle. Events occur that seem fated or pre-destined. It can be a real challenge getting close to a lover during this period of time. Unorthodox, experimental, and non-intimate relationships may be favored.

Affection is difficult to express in a natural or spontaneous manner. We might find others are lacking in sincerity or genuineness in their expressions of social niceties. (We may be inclined to do the same!).

Relationships that have been especially challenging may come to an end during this cycle. However, strong relationships will survive it, even if there are a few bumps and bruises along the way. This can be a good time for "eyes wide open" or experimental dating, although opinions and assessments may change at a later date. It is not a time when people recognize the need for another person to "complete" them. Some people may be questioning whether they are with partners who actually fulfill them. We may, however, be especially in touch with our deeper, less obvious, and less superficial needs and wants. This makes it a good time for re-evaluating our relationship needs; but, again, major love decisions are best saved for after the cycle ends on April 15th. Our perceptions may be skewed and we can come out of the retrograde cycle with regret if we have acted hastily, as the tendency to change our minds later is strong.

On the subject of Taurus influenced areas of money, finances, and possessions, do try to hold off on major purchases or financial decisions during this Venus retrograde cycle. For example, the purchase of a new house, car, or other big-ticket item could backfire in some manner later on. They may become money pits or cause problems for you; or you may change your mind later and regret your purchase.

There's nothing truly to fear about Venus retrograde, but it's always wise to take special care during this cycle. It's not the best period for entering into a new relationship, because our sensors when it comes to love are not up to par. However, it's not unheard of to begin a relationship under the influence of a retrograde Venus, and the relationship survives and/or thrives.

Venus rules our values, and when she is retrograde, we don't seem to be in touch with exactly what and who we value, or, some might say we are seeing things more or too clearly. After the retrograde cycle is over, we may look back and wonder what we were thinking. So, do what you can to avoid major decision making during Venus' retrograde cycle, but pay attention to your assessments to see if they last. A change of heart is possible later. And, the people we meet now may appear more fabulous than they turn out to be. It's also possible that some people we meet now may appear less attractive than they turn out to be! Whatever the case may be, try to hold off until May before making big decisions, particularly life-altering ones.

Still, we may not be as openly or obviously warm and affectionate during this cycle. It's hard to trust others just now, and, perhaps more so, it's difficult to trust our own instincts when it comes to judging others or our relationships. We tend to suspect insincerity in others. People might appear to be more selfish, withdrawn, and self-protective. It's hard to make headway in a direct manner in our love relationships for the time being. If you are hoping to fix a relationship or if you are trying to schedule a reunion, it may not be the best time to do so.

When breakups do occur in the second half of a Venus retrograde cycle, I have noticed they are imperfect. They are not often clean breaks. Couples and friends may reunite later or if they stay broken up, they might often wonder if it was the right thing to do - something is often left hanging. Venus retrograde is a period for clearing the decks and dealing with the past so as to move forward fresh and re-energized, and this is especially appropriate in the first three weeks of the cycle. During the second half of the retrograde cycle, watch for impulsiveness.

Then there is a feeling of the inevitable during a Venus retrograde. What happened in the past, including past love affairs, can flood our consciousness now. Sometimes, a past lover reappears in his or her physical form.

Keep in mind, Venus-ruled Taurus and Libra feel the impact of the retrograde more than the other signs. The house where Venus is retrograde plays a big role too. And of course look at where natal Venus is in your chart and which houses are ruled by Taurus and Libra.​If you would like more info about your chart, please contact me for a private consultation.